The Octava HDDSX extender consists of a transmitter and receiver unit and supports HDMI , Display Port and DVI. The HDDSX can be used for:

1) source to single display (point to point) application

2) multi display (1 to many) application.

For a single HD display application, simply connect the transmitter and receiver unit with a CAT5e cable for link distance up to 300ft. A scalable multi-display systems can be created by connecting the transmitter and multiple receiver(s) thru an unmanaged Gigabit LAN switch.

Octava HDDSX Audio Video over IP extender solution

“We are excited to provide a HD video distribution solution over IP that is simple-to-use and simple-to-expand. Using IP protocol and advanced MJPEG, the Octava DSSX AV over IP solution enables our clients to leverage their available LAN equipment ( CAT 5e cables and Gigabit Ethernet switches) without significant video quality trade off. This allows clients to deliver more HD Video and audio services on site in an efficient manner” said Jeffrey Su, Product Manager at Octava.

In essence, there are 3 core components in the system: 1) video to IP .Coder ( transmitter). 2)IP to Video . Decoder ( receiver) and of course the LAN cables and Ethernet Switch to connect CODECs.

What are the link distances of HD Video over LAN?

We can deliver 1080P HD video over 300ft over a cat5e. In general, the limit is based on limits of Ethernet, which is 300ft.

Why use HD Video Distribution over LAN?

Video over LAN /IP uses the same packetized network protocols as the internet and on the physical layer it uses standard Ethernet connections. Most of the deployment sites will be in hospitality, house of worship, education, retail and health care market requiring multiple video displays over longer distances. In these markets, there is already an IT manager on site. By using technologies familiar to the IT group, the installation and maintenance of HD Video Distribution will be 2nd nature. I also would like to add that many sites will be adding or upgrading to HD displays and have pre-run CAT5e cables which now can be utilized to now distribute HD video.

Are there any drawbacks disadvantages ?

Great question. In engineering parlance we say: ” you can’t get something for nothing.” In order to deliver HD Video over IP/LAN, obviously the data size has to be limited. In HD Video LAN/IP , video compression such as MJPEG is used to minimize bandwidth while maximizing video quality. Native HD Video will ALWAYS be better than compressed MJPEG rendition. HD VIdeo over IP/LAN will typically be used in application where easy of use, reliability, distance and scalability is more desired and clients are willing to trade- off some video quality to achieve this. WIth that said, MJPEG is an advanced compression technique and video quality is still very very good.

So is HD Video over LAN/IP for everyone?

NO. We believe in understanding our clients application and needs first. It depends on the application. For example, if the client application is for a 4 display system at the church to host the service or if its a 50 display system for digital signage in a shopping center, then HD over LAN will fit the application. On the other hand, if the application is for a HOME theater, where the client will want the highest quality video available, we would provide solutions that distributes the video in native quality which by the way ,we have solutions for as well.

What are some of the most common applications for the technology that you are seeing at present?

House of Worship where there is a need to distribute video of the sermon or presentation to multiple monitors for the main congregation and the overflow rooms where the distance are typically 100-300ft.

Also in business where there is a need to distribute multiple messages/presentations to the HD displays on site.

Are there some applications that you think would be effective but as yet are not being deployed?

Certainly education will continue to be major user of Audio Video to enhance the learning process and getting messages out to students in an efficient manner. So I think the potential in education as well as health care AV has huge potential.

How does the cost of this technology compare with other methods of distribution?

The system is scalable which is a major advantage in terms of cost. Systems can be initially deployed to meet the current of HD Displays needed. If more displays are needed, simply add a DECODER( Receiver) unit next to the display.

Also, the physical layer of the HD Video Over LAN/IP is Ethernet so cost of adding/installing cables is minimal.

Looking forward, do you see other technologies on the horizon that will further advance the use of the LAN for HD Video distribution?

Certainly businesses are utilizing HD displays to get the message to the clients so digital signage will continue to be a driver for the HD Video over LAN.

Demo of the Octava HDE HDMI Extender recovering 1080P video from a 125ft HDMI cable. Large installations, for example auditoriums, churches or retail outlets can easily be over 100ft. In the video, we demonstrate video drop out caused by signal attenuation, impedance mismatch and skew over 125 ft HDMI cable. Installing the HDE HDMI Extender corrects the video signal and eliminates the drop out.

“Octava has been innovating products for HD video distribution with the end user in mind. The HDCATS-100 enables installers to easily distribute uncompressed HD video along with Ethernet over a single CAT5e/6/7 cable .This obviously enables custom installers to leverage the investment of pre-installed cable infrastructure already in place . The Octava HDCATS-100 transports uncompressed video to ensure highest video fidelity.” explained Jeffrey Su, Product Manager at Octava.

The Octava HDCATS-100 specifically designed for long cable runs to HD displays where HD video and data is required such as:
• Information Kiosks
• Movie theater
• Education / training centers
• Sporting events, gyms, bowling alleys
• Meeting rooms
• Casinos, transportation, and logistics centers
The HDCATS-100 HDMI Extender over CAT5e/6allows transmission of HDMI, 100baseT Ethernet ,Serial data ( RS-232) and IR over 1 single Cat5e/6/7 cable. The HDCATS-100 HDMI Extender consists of a HDMI Transmitter and Receiver. Infrared Extension allows I.R. signals to be sent from viewing area to the equipment room. The RS-232 and IR are bi-directional allowing users to select the desired control direction.